European Union (EU) nations agreed that a single currency (the Euro) will go into effect on January 1, 1999.
Polls indicate support but widespread skepticism remains.
Eighty percent in six countries say they are not well informed.
Some economists worry about loss of financial sovereignty; others worry about rising unemployment and interest rates.
Proponents say the Euro will guarantee currency stability, lower interest rates and contribute to the unity of the EU.
Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxemboug, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Finland are founding members of the Euro club.
Britain and Demark have opted out while Greece and Sweden have been judged economically not ready to join.
The Euro will rival the U.S. dollar as an international currency but will not replace the U.S. dollar as the choice for foreign reserves.
Initial transactions will be cashless.
Bank notes and coins will become legal tender January 1st 2002 while national currencies will stop circulating by July 1st 2002.
France, Finland, Belgium and Spain have started production of Euro's.
A total of 70 billion coins should be issued to replace the national currencies.
The Vatican, San Marino and Monaco are entitled to use the Euro as their official currency but cannot issue any currency unless they agree to EU conditions.
The design of the Euro is required to include five languages, the symbol of the EU (12 stars in a ring) and will feature bridges, windows and doorways in various European styles.
"EUR" will be the currency code.
